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I heard an interesting story today at a seminar of Prof.Peter Goldsbury about the possibility of a move of Honbu headquarters back to Iwama. There was talk of concerns about future earthquake threats to Tokyo, the availability of aikikai owned land in the old home grounds and the 'return to the roots' idea that might be a popular strategy. Another student present told me he had heard confirming stories from another Japanese shihan later last year. Sound exciting, anyone else heard anything in this line ?

All what I know is that the aikikai has been trying to get back Iwama from Saito sensei for ages as it officially belongs to the Ueshiba family. After Saito sensei's passing away, I believe they are making more serious (and legal) attempts. Wether they will succeed or not remains to be seen.

All what I know is that the aikikai has been trying to get back Iwama from Saito sensei for ages as it officially belongs to the Ueshiba family. After Saito sensei's passing away, I believe they are making more serious (and legal) attempts. Wether they will succeed or not remains to be seen.

How do you mean "get back Iwama"? The dojo and Aiki Shrine have always been owned by the Ueshiba family. When Saito died they simply took over the care and maintenance of both.

Hitohiro Saito seems to be doing well in Iwama, and perhaps the Aikikai may feel somewhat threatened about competition in one of aikido's historical heritage sites, but the Saitos were in Iwama long before Ueshiba Morihei. So the Aikikai "trying to get back Iwama from Saito sensei" makes about as much sense as the Aikikai trying to get back Osaka from Tanaka Bansen.

Josh Reyer

The lyf so short, the crafte so longe to lerne,
Th'assay so harde, so sharpe the conquerynge...
- Chaucer

Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea after all, especially if they add some kind of hotel-serviced apartments for the oversea visitors. I underdstand it is quite difficult to find a decent place to stay around the current Hombu without spending a fortune.